Welding is a critical and extremely valuable engineering trade. It involves using heat and pressure to permanently join two pieces of metal together. Welders must be physically dexterous and have an understanding of mechanical engineering principles, but they also need to be artistic in their approach, and able to visualize the desired end result before they begin.
Welding involves using welder tools to join pieces of metal by melting them together with heat, pressure, or both. The welder needs to understand the properties of the metal being used to effectively weld the materials together, creating a strong and secure bond.
With welding skills, countless tasks can be accomplished from creating machinery parts to art work, and much more! Unfortunately, welders' efforts typically remain unnoticed, yet we appreciate their art all around us every single day.
Becoming a welder requires an apprenticeship or certification program, during which applicants learn about different welding techniques, practice welding on various projects, and gain safety experience.
Once trained, welders can enter into a wide variety of career paths in industrial fabrication, manufacturing operations, aero-engineering construction, and many more industries. With years of hard work and dedication welder's careers can go far above and beyond the shop floor!
There are different types of welding:
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG) is a method of welding that is often also referred to as MIG welding. For welder rookies, GMAW may seem intimidating at first glance. But with a little practice and knowledge under their belt, explorers of this convenient welding process will soon find welder meaning in its efficient nature.
This type of welding utilizes the use of a shielding gas coupled with an electrode wire, while the welder maneuvers the wire in an arc pattern on the join of two pieces. Of all the various types of welding available on the market today, GMAW is one of the most commonly used methods used by welder professionals due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness relative to other welding types.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is an important and meaningful skill for many welders. In GTAW, or “TIG” welding, a welder uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the arc that does the welding. Different types of shielding gases are used for different materials being fused and there are several techniques that a welder must learn to complete the task properly.
While it is sometimes difficult to learn, GTAW can be very rewarding as welders become more skilled. For those individuals looking to join the welder community, not only can you gain technical knowledge, but a sense of pride comes with becoming someone proficient in this type of welding.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as ‘stick’ welding, is one of the most commonly used types around. It can be used on almost any type of material, including mild steel and chromium-nickel stainless steel.
This makes SMAW one of the most versatile welding types available. For welder professionals, understanding how to operate it correctly is essential; it takes a great deal of practice and skill to do it right. We cheer for those who have been able to master this complex skill - because there's no doubt that welder meaning goes beyond just doing a job!
Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) can be a tricky craft to master, but one that welders take pride in knowing. It's a specific type of welding that is performed when the welder feeds a consumable electrode used for electric arc welding that contains flux on its core. This process regulates the arc by creating carbon dioxide or argon and shielding the welder from splatter.
This welding process is a branch of MIG welding and uses consumable electrodes filled with flux. These electrodes deliver current through an internal contact tip and cause an arc between the wire and the base material, allowing the welder to easily join metal surfaces together. FCAW is often seen as the preferred choice for outdoor projects due to its high resistance to environmental elements such as wind and drafts that interfere with typical MIG arcs. Despite requiring a different welder meaning than other welding processes, with some practice, FCAW can be used for a variety of projects!
Overall, this blog has explored the different types of welding and given an overview of what exactly it is. We hope that you’ve found this useful information and are now more informed when it comes to welding.
If you’re interested in learning more and joining a great team of professionals, why not join our team? With amazing opportunities and the chance to learn something new every day, our team strives to be the best in the business. For those already in welding or who have already decided on a career path, we wish you all the best of luck as you continue to hone your craft. May success follow your journey no matter what path you choose.
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